Hundreds avoid downtown KKK rally

(Memphis) While the KKK rally was downtown, hundreds ushered in the holiday weekend spreading messages of peace.

9-year-old Courtney Gregory and his family woke up early Saturday to come to the Heart of Memphis at Tiger Lane. He’s happy to be here with his family even though just a couple of days ago the, 9-year-old had a different plan for his Saturday.

“He said ‘you didn’t need to throw bricks at people who didn’t do anything wrong to you,” said Courtney Gregory.

The family spent the day with food trucks, love music and an Easter egg hunt.

“This is really the story of Memphis. This is our narrative,” said organizer, Sara Burnett.

Burnett says in just the last month the mayor’s office and dozens of organizations stepped up to organize the family festival. Hoping to keep families safe and show a message of unity in Memphis despite the KKK rally downtown.

“The unity and heart of Memphis is a great example of how quickly this came together,” said Burnett.

But this event wasn’t alone, there were dozens around Memphis. Students at Wooddale High didn’t sleep in this weekend. Instead they wanted to change the Fox Meadows neighborhood.

“We are tired of walking down the street and seeing litter on the ground,” said D’Andria Keller.

It’s the efforts of everyone working together that Courtney’s grandfather says help make Memphis a good place to raise children.